Ford To Increase Production

DEARBORN (WWJ) - Ford will increase factory production 13 percent in the first quarter because of higher demand for Ford and Lincoln brand cars and trucks, and further increases are likely through the year.

Ford says retail sales to individual buyers rose 27 percent in January. And, Auto analyst Dennis Virag, president of Automotive Consulting Group, says his company is expecting a considerably stronger sales year.

"We're looking at sales of approximately 12.8 to 13 million vehicles. That's versus about 11.5 in 2010," Virag said.

WWJ's AutoBeat Reporter Jeff Gilbert will have more on the story this week, from the Chicago Auto Show.